Special Cleaning Steps for Lead Dust

Careful cleaning of areas that contain lead is very important to prevent lead poisoning in children. Lead dust collects on windows sills, floors, walls, toys, food, hands or even the fur of dogs and cats. From there, lead dust can easily find its way into a child's mouth through a child's normal hand-to-mouth activity. Lead dust levels can be lowered by wet cleaning with an all-purpose cleaning solution. Change the wash and rinse water frequently (at least once per room) and use a clean rag with each solution to avoid recontaminating areas. Be sure to wear old washable clothing and avoid smoking or eating while cleaning.

Cleaning Supplies

• Plastic Gloves
• 2 Buckets (One for Washing and One for Rinsing)
• Rags
• Mops
• Heavy Duty Plastic Bags
• All-Purpose Cleaning Solution
• HEPA Vacuum Cleaner *

* Special vacuum cleaner with a "High Efficiency Particulate Air" filter. Some Health Departments may have these available for loan. Call your local health department or (800) 554-7447 to find out where you can get one on loan. If the HEPA is unavailable, a wet-dry shop vacuum can be used, but only in the wet mode. When using the wet-dry vacuum, wet the surface to be cleaned and vacuum it while wet. Clean the inside of the wet-dry vacuum before it dries.

Cleaning Procedure

• Put on plastic gloves.
• HEPA vacuum dry surfaces, such as: woodwork, windows (wells, sills, frames) doors, stairs, banisters, and floors. Start up high and work down, cleaning the floors last. If using a wet-dry shop vacuum, skip this step.
• Use two buckets, one for wash water and one for rinse water. Wash surfaces with the all-purpose cleaning solution. Start up high and work down to the floors. Follow the wash procedure with a clear water rinse. Change the wash and rinse water frequently (at least once per room) and use a clean rag with each new solution.
• After the cleaned surfaces have completely dries, HEPA vacuum all surfaces again. If using a wet-dry shop vacuum, be sure to vacuum the surface while they are still wet.
• Put all cleaning items (gloves, rags, mops heads, plastic sheets) in a plastic bag. Tie the bag closed and throw away in garbage.
• Wash hands and change clothes. Be sure to wash the clothes worn during cleaning seperately from all other washable items.
• To be sure that lead dust levels remain low, these surfaces should be cleaned with the cleaning solution at least once a month.

Ohio Department of Health
Bureau of Child and Family Health Services
Ohio Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
246 North High Street, 6^th Floor, Columbus, OH 43266-0588
Phone (614) 466-5332 Fax (614) 728-6793
Help-Me-Grow Hotline (800) 755-GROW (4769)

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